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Chinese Idiom Stories and Chinese Philosophies season 1

4.4 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 17 ratings
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Hong Zeng

Chinese idioms were originated from the ancient Chinese historical and philosophical works, crystallizing the wisdom of Chinese culture through thousands of years. They have become familiar daily language of today spoken by ordinary Chinese people in daily life. Being able to use them adroitly will lend vividness, authenticity, humor and refinement to your conversation and writing. The language in the Chinese idiom stories studied in this course encompasses the realms of politics, literature, military, philosophy and culture, which will enrich your Chinese vocabulary in all fields. This course particularly emphasizes the link of Chinese idiom stories with the four greatest indigenous classical Chinese philosophies. For example, you will study the idioms coming from Confucius’ Analects, that embody the Confucian ideas of benevolent rule, importance of study, the relationship between monarch and ministers; you will study the idioms coming from Taoist philosopher Lao Zi ‘s Tao Te Ching and Zhuang Zi’s Complete Works of Zhuang Zi, which exemplify Taoist ideas of the opposition of cosmic and human knowledge, the omniscient perspective from the sky achieved through self-emptiness, the Taoist conception of intuitive wisdom versus acquired learning, Taoist idea of making no distinction, and opposition to Confucian ethical order, Taoist dialectics in which the opposites are transformable into each other; you will also learn the Pacifist idea of Mohism, its advocacy of universal love and opposition to war, and its strikingly ingenious use of analogy in winning arguments over rivals with much greater worldly power; you will also study the forceful measure of army and law advocated by Legalism, its idea of highly unified and centralized power consolidated by war and forceful state machine, its demand of uniformity and consistency, which are in sharp contrast to the Pacifist idea of Mohism. All these central values of different schools of philosophies are learned through riveting, compelling idiom stories with ingenious arguments different from the typical methods of argument in the Western tradition. These stories give flesh and blood and humor to these profound philosophies.

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Chinese idioms were originated from the ancient Chinese historical and philosophical works, crystallizing the wisdom of Chinese culture through thousands of years. They have become familiar daily language of today spoken by ordinary Chinese people in daily life. Being able to use them adroitly will lend vividness, authenticity, humor and refinement to your conversation and writing. The language in the Chinese idiom stories studied in this course encompasses the realms of politics, literature, military, philosophy and culture, which will enrich your Chinese vocabulary in all fields. This course particularly emphasizes the link of Chinese idiom stories with the four greatest indigenous classical Chinese philosophies. For example, you will study the idioms coming from Confucius’ Analects, that embody the Confucian ideas of benevolent rule, importance of study, the relationship between monarch and ministers; you will study the idioms coming from Taoist philosopher Lao Zi ‘s Tao Te Ching and Zhuang Zi’s Complete Works of Zhuang Zi, which exemplify Taoist ideas of the opposition of cosmic and human knowledge, the omniscient perspective from the sky achieved through self-emptiness, the Taoist conception of intuitive wisdom versus acquired learning, Taoist idea of making no distinction, and opposition to Confucian ethical order, Taoist dialectics in which the opposites are transformable into each other; you will also learn the Pacifist idea of Mohism, its advocacy of universal love and opposition to war, and its strikingly ingenious use of analogy in winning arguments over rivals with much greater worldly power; you will also study the forceful measure of army and law advocated by Legalism, its idea of highly unified and centralized power consolidated by war and forceful state machine, its demand of uniformity and consistency, which are in sharp contrast to the Pacifist idea of Mohism. All these central values of different schools of philosophies are learned through riveting, compelling idiom stories with ingenious arguments different from the typical methods of argument in the Western tradition. These stories give flesh and blood and humor to these profound philosophies.

For each idiom story, there are three lectures, the first lecture is text practice of the idiom stories: I will lead you to learn the vocabulary, explain to you sentence by sentence the text, and lead you to read the text twice, and ask you questions about the texts; the second lecture will teach you how to use the idioms in sentences, both grammatically and meaningfully. The source stories of these idioms all carry each school’s philosophical implication where they come from, but evolves into more generic meaning in which the philosophical implication is receded. The third lecture will be my talk-head video speaking these stories, so that you can review them and understand them without the text.

Chinese idioms are living fossils of language that are still extremely popular in daily conversation today, and will definitely lend humor, refinement, vividness and authenticity in your communication with Chinese people. You will find your Chinese acquire a new height with this course.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • They will learn most popular chinese idioms and their usage, their source stories in philosophical and historical work
  • They will learn the central values of four major classical chinese philosophies
  • They will learn the connection between these idiom stories and the major thoughts of classical chinese philosophy

Syllabus

Introduction
idioms originated from Confucianism
苛政猛于虎 text pratice
苛政猛于虎也 acting video
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores idioms, which are frequently used in daily conversation and can add authenticity and humor to communication with native speakers
Includes acting videos, which may help learners review and understand the material without relying solely on text
Connects idioms to classical Chinese philosophies, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural context and historical origins of the language
Features text practice, sentence-by-sentence explanations, and usage examples, offering a comprehensive approach to mastering Chinese idioms
Requires learners to understand the philosophical implications of each idiom, which may be challenging for those without prior exposure to Chinese philosophy

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Reviews summary

Chinese idioms & philosophies deep dive

According to learners, this course offers a unique and enriching experience, successfully blending the study of Chinese idioms with ancient Chinese philosophies. Students appreciate the deep dive into the historical and philosophical origins of the idioms, finding that it adds significant cultural context. The course provides practical guidance on idiom usage in daily conversation, which many find helpful for improving fluency and authenticity. However, some learners note that the philosophical content can be quite in-depth, potentially making it better suited for those with an existing interest or background in philosophy, or intermediate to advanced Chinese learners. The acting videos are a distinct feature for story review. Overall, students find this course to be a valuable resource for gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese language and culture beyond basic vocabulary.
Unique format for reviewing stories.
"The acting videos were a quirky way to revisit the stories; I found them helpful for pronunciation."
"The acting videos were a bit unexpected, but they added a different dimension to the review process."
"Some found the acting videos helpful for listening practice."
Best suited for intermediate learners or higher.
"You definitely need a solid foundation in Chinese before taking this course to keep up."
"I'd recommend this for intermediate learners or above; beginners might struggle with the vocabulary and concepts."
"Prior Chinese knowledge is a must to fully benefit from the text practices."
Shows how to use idioms in conversation.
"The focus on how to actually use the idioms in conversation was exactly what I needed."
"The examples of idiom usage in sentences were very clear and useful."
"This course gave me confidence to actually try using the idioms I learned."
Explores the rich stories behind idioms.
"Learning the stories behind each idiom was fascinating and helped me remember them."
"The historical and philosophical origins were explained clearly."
"Understanding the source stories adds so much depth."
Blends language and philosophy effectively.
"I was looking for something that went beyond just learning lists of words, and this course delivered by connecting idioms to philosophy."
"It's amazing how the course weaves language learning together with such profound cultural insights. A truly unique blend."
"This course isn't just language; it's culture and history too. Loved the philosophical connections."
Content is deep; requires interest in philosophy.
"Be aware this isn't a light language course; the philosophical sections require real focus."
"Some parts were heavy on philosophy, which was interesting but challenging if you're not already into it."
"If you just want to learn practical idioms quickly, the philosophical depth might feel like a detour."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Chinese Idiom Stories and Chinese Philosophies season 1 with these activities:
Review Basic Chinese Grammar
Reviewing basic Chinese grammar will help you understand the sentence structure and nuances within the idiom stories.
Show steps
  • Review sentence structure basics.
  • Practice forming simple sentences.
  • Study common grammatical patterns.
Read 'The Analects' by Confucius
Reading 'The Analects' will provide a deeper understanding of the Confucian philosophy behind many of the idioms.
View The Chinese Classics (Vol. 1), The Life and... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Analects'.
  • Read and summarize key passages.
  • Identify idioms originating from the text.
Read '36 Stratagems'
Reading '36 Stratagems' will provide a deeper understanding of the historical and strategic context behind many Chinese idioms.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of '36 Stratagems'.
  • Read and summarize each stratagem.
  • Identify idioms related to the stratagems.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create Flashcards for Idioms
Creating flashcards will help you memorize the idioms, their meanings, and their philosophical origins.
Show steps
  • Gather the idioms from the course.
  • Write the idiom on one side.
  • Write the meaning and origin on the other.
  • Review the flashcards regularly.
Practice Idioms in Conversation
Practicing using the idioms in conversation with peers will solidify your understanding and improve fluency.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner or study group.
  • Choose a set of idioms to practice.
  • Create scenarios to use the idioms.
  • Provide feedback to each other.
Write Short Stories Using Idioms
Writing short stories using the idioms will force you to actively recall and apply them in a creative context, improving retention.
Show steps
  • Choose several idioms from the course.
  • Brainstorm a story idea that fits the idioms.
  • Write a short story incorporating the idioms.
  • Share your story with others for feedback.
Help Others on Forums
Helping others on forums will reinforce your understanding of the idioms and their usage.
Show steps
  • Find online forums related to Chinese language learning.
  • Search for questions about the idioms covered in the course.
  • Provide clear and helpful explanations.

Career center

Learners who complete Chinese Idiom Stories and Chinese Philosophies season 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Translator
A translator converts written material from one language into another. This course helps translators working with Chinese language texts. The course focuses on Chinese idioms, their historical origins, and philosophical underpinnings. This provides cultural context and linguistic nuance to your translations, allowing for more accurate and culturally sensitive translations. Understanding these idioms will lead to more effective and impactful communication. This course is particularly useful for translating classical Chinese literature, philosophical texts, or historical documents.
See salaries and explore the career path for Translator
Interpreter
An interpreter converts spoken language from one language into another. This course can be helpful for interpreters working with Chinese language speakers or audiences. The course's focus on Chinese idioms, their usage, and their connection to Chinese philosophies provides valuable context for understanding and interpreting spoken Chinese. It can help you accurately convey the intended meaning and cultural nuances of a speaker's message. The idiom stories in this course show how language encompasses a range of contexts, including politics, literature, military matters, philosophy, and culture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter
Diplomat
A diplomat represents their country's interests abroad, engaging in negotiations, building relationships, and promoting understanding. This course can be helpful for diplomats assigned to China or engaging with Chinese officials. The course's emphasis on Chinese idioms, their philosophical origins, and their cultural significance provides an in-depth introduction to Chinese communication styles and cultural values. The course is particularly useful for understanding ideologies such as the Confucian ideas of benevolent rule, the importance of study, and the relationship between monarch and ministers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat
Localization Specialist
A localization specialist adapts products and content to specific target markets, accounting for linguistic and cultural differences. This course may be helpful for localization projects targeting Chinese speakers or markets. The course's emphasis on Chinese idioms, their cultural significance, and their usage in daily conversation provides valuable insights for adapting content appropriately. The course's materials discuss the realms of politics, literature, the military, philosophy, and culture, all of which can be used to enrich your Chinese vocabulary.
See salaries and explore the career path for Localization Specialist
Linguist
A linguist studies language and its structure, including grammar, syntax, and phonetics. This course on Chinese idioms and philosophies may be useful to a linguist researching the evolution and usage of the Chinese language. The course's focus on idioms, their historical roots, and their connection to classical Chinese philosophies provides valuable insights into the development and cultural influences on the language. The course presents riveting and compelling idiom stories with arguments that diverge from those in the West.
See salaries and explore the career path for Linguist
Foreign Service Officer
A Foreign Service Officer represents their country's interests abroad, engaging in diplomacy, consular services, and public affairs. This course can be helpful for Foreign Service Officers working in China or with Chinese counterparts. The course's emphasis on Chinese idioms, their philosophical origins, and their cultural significance provides an understanding of Chinese communication styles and cultural values. This course emphasizes the link between Chinese idiom stories and the four greatest indigenous classical Chinese philosophies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Service Officer
Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator
A Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator facilitates cross-cultural experiences for individuals or groups. This course may be helpful to coordinate programs involving Chinese culture, language, or philosophy. The course's focus on Chinese idioms and their connection to classical philosophies provides a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural values and communication styles. This course emphasizes the use of idioms in daily conversation and the unique ability of idioms to add humor, refinement, and authenticity to communication with Chinese people.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator
International Business Consultant
An International Business Consultant advises companies on strategies for entering and succeeding in international markets. This course may be useful for consultants working with companies seeking to expand their business in China. The course's focus on Chinese idioms, their cultural context, and their philosophical underpinnings provides a deeper understanding of Chinese business culture and communication styles. The course's materials discuss the relationship between monarch and ministers, the opposition of cosmic and human knowledge, and the idea of highly unified centralized power.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Business Consultant
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer designs educational materials and programs. This course helps curriculum developers who create language courses or cultural studies programs focused on China. The course's emphasis on Chinese idioms, their historical origins, and their connection to classical Chinese philosophies provides a strong foundation for developing engaging and informative materials. The course may be useful in improving the Chinese vocabulary of learners.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer
Political Analyst
A political analyst researches and analyzes political issues and events. This course may be useful for political analysts specializing in Chinese politics or foreign policy. The course's exploration of Chinese philosophies, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism, provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of Chinese political thought. The language in the Chinese idiom stories studied in this course encompasses the realms of politics, literature, military affairs, philosophy, and culture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Political Analyst
Historian
A historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the past. This course may be useful for historians specializing in Chinese history or culture. The course's emphasis on the historical origins of Chinese idioms and their connection to classical philosophies provides valuable primary source material and insights into the cultural values of past societies. The syllabus includes idioms originating from Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, and Legalism.
See salaries and explore the career path for Historian
International Marketing Manager
An International Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing strategies for global markets. This course may be helpful for marketing products or services in China. The course's focus on Chinese idioms, their cultural context, and their philosophical underpinnings provides valuable insights into Chinese consumer behavior and preferences. The central values of Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, and Legalism are learned through riveting and compelling idiom stories with ingenious arguments.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Marketing Manager
Content Creator
A content creator develops engaging written, visual, or audio content for various platforms. This course may be useful for content creators who specialize in Chinese language and culture. The course's focus on Chinese idioms, their historical origins, and their connection to classical Chinese philosophies can inspire creative content. The course emphasizes that Chinese idioms are living fossils of language that are still extremely popular in daily conversation today.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Journalist
A journalist investigates, researches, and reports on current events. This course may be useful for journalists covering stories related to China, or for journalists who are native Chinese speakers. The course's exploration of Chinese idioms, their cultural context, and their philosophical underpinnings provides valuable insights into Chinese society and communication styles. The course features a study of idioms coming from Confucius’ Analects, Lao Zi’s Tao Te Ching, and Zhuang Zi’s Complete Works of Zhuang Zi.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
ESL Teacher
An English as a Second Language teacher instructs non-native speakers in the English language. While this course focuses on Chinese, it may be helpful for ESL teachers who want to better understand the linguistic and cultural background of their Chinese students. The course's exploration of Chinese idioms and philosophies can provide insights into the ways Chinese speakers approach language and communication. This course studies idioms originating from Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, and Legalism.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESL Teacher

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Chinese Idiom Stories and Chinese Philosophies season 1.
Cover image
The Chinese Classics (Vol. 1), The Life and...
Save
The Analects collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his contemporaries. It foundational text of Confucianism. Many idioms are derived directly from The Analects, and understanding the original context will greatly enhance comprehension of the idioms' philosophical underpinnings. is essential for understanding the Confucian idioms covered in the course.
The Chinese Classics (Vol. 1), The Life and...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
The '36 Stratagems' collection of Chinese proverbs and military tactics. Understanding these strategies provides context for many idioms related to warfare and politics. While not directly philosophical, it offers a cultural backdrop to understand the strategic thinking embedded in some idioms. is more valuable as additional reading to provide context.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check

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Rating
4.4 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
6.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Hong Zeng
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores idioms, which are frequently used in daily conversation and can add authenticity and humor to communication with native speakers
Includes acting videos, which may help learners review and understand the material without relying solely on text
Connects idioms to classical Chinese philosophies, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural context and historical origins of the language
Features text practice, sentence-by-sentence explanations, and usage examples, offering a comprehensive approach to mastering Chinese idioms
Requires learners to understand the philosophical implications of each idiom, which may be challenging for those without prior exposure to Chinese philosophy
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